Melissa has been blamed for at least seven deaths. At least three people were killed by the storm in Haiti over the weekend, and a fourth died in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. In Jamaica, officials said at least three people died ahead of Melissa's arrival.

It also marks the first time in 20 years that three or more Category 5 hurricanes have developed over the Atlantic Basin in one season. The last time was in 2005, when Hurricanes Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all reached Category 5—breaking a record.

Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 status near Jamaica but won't impact the Ohio Valley. Get live updates and tracking information.

The U.S. Defense Department has released footage of views inside Hurricane Melissa. The military said a U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Hurricane Hunters," flew multiple passes through Melissa on Monday to collect critical weather data for the National Hurricane Center.

Jamaica residents were warned Monday to "seek shelter now," as Melissa, a strong Category 5 hurricane, neared landfall on the Caribbean island nation.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, Melissa was predicted to be at 16.6N 75.4W. Maximum sustained winds were predicted to reach 65 mph. To be classified as a hurricane, maximum sustained winds need to reach 74 mph.

The two categories combined make up about 17 percent of all hurricanes in recorded history. Those reaching Category 5 — like Melissa — historically make up more like 4 percent of hurricanes. And fewer than half of the strongest two categories of hurricanes go on to hit land at such intensity.